Spanish ex-minister linked to Panama Papers drops World Bank bid

José Manuel Soria, Spain’s former industry minister, has withdrawn his nomination to be his country’s representative at the World Bank over links to the Panama Papers scandal, Reuters reported Tuesday.

Soria, who resigned in April after he was linked to an offshore company that appeared in the documents that shed light on possible tax avoidance, told the economy ministry that he would not be taking on the senior job because “his application was being used politically.”

Spain’s acting government announced on Friday that Soria, from the center-right Popular Party of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, was Spain's nominee for the job, which led to claims from other political parties of cronyism.

The move came as Rajoy tries to gain support in parliament for another term in office following two inconclusive general elections. If Rajoy or another party leader cannot put together a coalition, fresh elections will be held on December 25.